STC Harold: PM assures safety of evac centres from COVID-19 virus

As hundreds fled to evacuation centres yesterday because of flooding or destruction of homes caused by Tropical Cyclone Harold, Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama assured that all evacuation centres were safe from any threat posed by the COVID-19 virus.

He said all centres were sanitised and monitored to ensure they did not surpass capacity.

“Those under quarantine due to the threat of coronavirus will not mix with others,” he said. As Severe Tropical Cyclone Harold wreaked havoc across the country yesterday, Mr Bainimarama said all Fijians should remain indoors unless directed to evacuate by authorities.

“We’ve received reports of vendors and farmers who have been trying to sell produce despite the severe weather. This needs to end.

“Everyone needs to immediately shelter indoors in their homes or in evacuation centres.

“There are also a number of reports of winds whipping up flying debris in the Suva area. Flying debris can be deadly. Keep yourself indoors and out of harm’s way until our authorities have given the all-clear that it is safe to be outdoors.”

Mr Bainimarama has also pleaded with Fijians to stay away from floodwaters.

“As we see flooding throughout the country, I’m pleading with everyone to stay out of floodwaters. Keep your children out of floodwaters. These waters are deadly, unpredictable, and can carry debris that can maim or kill.”

(Editor’s note: This article was published in The Fiji Times on Thursday, April 09, 2020)